NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading stand-alone provider of commercial LCD displays and projectors, today announced the new 26-inch MultiSync LCD2690WUXi², a desktop display ideal for graphic arts, desktop publishing, photography and other color-critical environments. The LCD2690WUXi² can be seen at Macworld Conference and Expo 2009 (NEC Display Solutions Booth, No. 2510) on January 6-9 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif.

Derived from the award-winning LCD2690WUXi, the new display has a new, wider color gamut panel, delivering expanded blue coverage and improved brightness uniformity. The high-performing MultiSync LCD2690WUXi² aids with productivity, as its wide-format design (16:10 aspect ratio) provides roughly the same work area as two smaller-sized displays, enabling users to work simultaneously in multiple application windows.

“The MultiSync LCD2690WUXi² follows in the footsteps of its companions in the highly successful MultiSync 90 Series,” said Stan Swiderski, Product Manager for NEC Display Solutions. “With its multitude of leading-edge capabilities, groundbreaking design and vast number of innovative technologies, the LCD2690WUXi² allows high-end graphics users to achieve the ultimate in color performance.”

The MultiSync LCD2690WUXi² is certified with Specifications for Web Offset Publications (SWOP) software, assuring users achieve accurate soft-proof images. The display passed with the “GRACoL Grade 1” test, one of the highest level examinations available for SWOP certification.

The LCD2690WUXi² contains the following features:

Wide color gamut (97.8 percent coverage of AdobeRGB)

Compatibility with the NEC SpectraViewII Color Calibration Solution

Auto luminance control with X-Light Pro backlight/sensor design for consistent brightness and color

ColorComp technology, which compensates for slight variations in luminance and color uniformity, providing even color across the screen

Support for internal programmable 12-bit lookup tables (LUTs) for calibration

Ambient light sensor and automatic backlight adjustment, which allow for use in any lighting conditions

1900 x 1200 native resolution

1000:1 contrast ratio

320 cd/m² brightness

Three selectable inputs (DVI-I, DVI-D, 15-pin D-sub [VGA])

The MultiSync LCD2690WUXi² ships with a 4-year parts and labor warranty, including backlight, and is available now for shipping with an estimated street price of $1,199. For more information about SWOP certification, visit www.swop.org.Source: NEC

It is only 102% color gamut size vs. NTSC. That's pretty low and just outside of "pro" quality (115% and upwards). It is however very good compared to regular consumer TFT (80%+). But the price doesnt quite work. It is too expensive for the consumer and not good enough for the pro.

If the price was around $800 then that would make sense. A premium model, not pretending to be professional.